Addictions can be overwhelming and devastating to both the individual and their family. There are different types of addiction and they all will have a slow increasing effect on your body, mind, and spirit and will change the way you live your life. It is difficult for people who do not have an abuse or addiction issue to understand how someone can become addicted to drugs or alcohol or other things. “Addiction” carries a negative connotation often with shame attached so it can be very difficult to reach out for help if you are feeling judged or labeled or if someone is pushing you into seeking treatment.

Effective Treatment Approaches
addictionEffective treatment is based on well-researched approaches and principles that are critical for a person’s success and the basis of effective treatment. The first principle is understanding that addiction is treatable; then follows understanding that addiction affects brain function and behavior, another principle understands that there is more than one way to treat addiction. It is important that treatment be available, it needs to be multi-dimensional, and sufficient time needs to be given to receiving treatment. A treatment plan also needs to be reviewed for changing needs to include considering using medication if indicated, and counseling either in a group setting or individually.

I believe there are many roads to recovery. Addiction has common characteristics and behavior patterns but it is important to treat each person as an individual with individual needs. Whether you are drawn to alcohol, other substances, people, activities, etc I can work with you to overcome the cycle of addiction and help you get your life back. It is important to know that you are not alone in your struggle to overcome addiction. Counseling is a collaborative relationship that is respectful, supportive, and challenging. As addiction varies from one person to the next so then counseling and other treatment options should be diverse as well. There are also public programs available to help and plenty of internet resources to help you get started.

Holistic Approach to Addiction Treatment
I support a holistic approach to addiction treatment seeking to integrate body, mind, and spirit, which is to say that it is important to consider all aspects of a person’s life to assist addictiona person’s recovery. My approach to counseling emerges from the traditional approach acknowledging there may be a pre-disposition to addiction and a dis-ease that creates an imbalance in a person’s life.
However, our lives are so much more than that. It is important to recognize that we process information from external sources and then create what seems real to us. So in essence we are co-creating our own reality which suggests then that our life is not predetermined which opens the possibility to create something new. Our lives are transformed and change occurs as a new perspective emerges that transforms self-identity from “addict” that is self-limiting to manifesting freedom. David Simon and Deepak Chopra in their book Freedom from Addiction assert that “Once you recognize the possibilities of creating a new reality, it becomes your opportunity and responsibility to envision what it is you’d like to create.” They go on to say that “Assuming authority for your life means accepting the role of author as well as the leading character in your own story line.”

The Goal of Counseling
The goal of counseling then is to discover your authentic self by supporting and encouraging you as you let go of self-defeating behaviors and aligning with your true self. I will work with you starting right where you are with honesty and accountability to support you in the changes you desire without judging or labeling you.

The Benefits of Private Counseling

There are some distinct benefits of private counseling in contrast to other treatment options. Obviously, there is the benefit of privacy. You may feel more comfortable sharing your story one-on-one due to repercussions from self-disclosure in a group setting. Individual sessions can allow you to be more open and honest with yourself than in a group setting where you might be more protective of your thoughts and feelings. My desire is to motivate clients to choose a more wholesome way of living and help them create a happy and fulfilled life. For those who are court ordered due to a legal charge may be required to seek a state certified agency to comply with court requirements, which usually requires group work.

Mutual / Self-help Support

Groups are an important part of recovery as they provide social, emotional, and informational support. Participation in any type of mutual support group significantly increases the likelihood of maintaining abstinence. Mutual/self-help groups are a great way to reaffirm your own recovery process and encourage those that are just beginning. There are all types of meetings in addition to the traditional AA type meetings. Any group that supports change and staying true to your new perception of self will be of benefit and support. Another resource could be a meditative or creative activity that supports getting in touch with your authentic self or spiritual center. Another could be physical activities that support connecting with others as well as serving as a way to reconnect with your body.

The Next Step
The road to recovery can be long and arduous. There are many steps along the way. Recovery requires transforming your inner identity from old beliefs and patterns to create a new perception of self. This process of transformation requires clarity and focus to move into a life of freedom. If you have made it to this place in recovery then
addictionno doubt you have acquired a few tools along the way. You have worked a program and now find that life is good but you have changed and find that you have a different outlook on life. Now you have a new sense of purpose and a strong desire to make changes to enhance your life even contribute in some way but do not know where to start. I can provide coaching that will help you discover goals and passions. Coaching can provide tools, perspective, and structure with accountability.

Whether counseling to address concerns about abuse or addiction or coaching to take the next step I can provide the support needed to get you further along the way.

Call for a free phone consultation or make an appointment by calling 509-850-5991

or using the appointment request.

Additional Information:

Stages of Intoxication
Alcohol Impairment Chart
Standard Drink Equivalents

Further reading on specific topics can be downloaded as a PDF:


Bath Salts Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Club Drugs Cocaine

Common Drugs of Abuse Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Disorders

Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse Drugged Driving Electronic Cigarettes

Hallucinogens Harmful Interactions Heroin High School and Youth Trends

InhalantsIs Marijuana Medicine Marijuana Khat MDMA Methamphetamine

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications SalviaSpiceSteroid

Stimulants ADHD Medication Substance Abuse in the Military

Treatment Approaches of Drug Addiction Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction

Tips for Cutting DownScience of Addiction